Mining Conference 2012 (part 1)

Summary

The transcript focuses on the challenges and opportunities in communication between the government, industry stakeholders, and local communities regarding responsible mining practices. Key topics include the need for better consultation and transparency, especially concerning how mining revenues are allocated and spent in communities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of a mining scorecard as a tool for improving communication and ensuring that indigenous peoples and local governments are directly involved in decision-making. The dialogue highlights the potential for collaboration between different sectors to move the mining industry forward responsibly.

Takeaways

• 😀 Communication with the government is a challenging process, with stakeholders often needing to remind agencies about consultations that were promised but not fulfilled.
• 😀 Proper communication between the government, stakeholders, and the mining industry is crucial for progress. Without this, the industry will face significant difficulties moving forward.
• 😀 There is a need for a mining scorecard to measure the real benefits of responsible mining and to foster better communication between mining companies and local communities.
• 😀 A key gap in communication is the flow of money from mining companies to communities, and how these funds are allocated to meet the needs of the communities.
• 😀 The mining scorecard serves as a tool to identify and agree on how the money should be spent, enriching the EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) process.
• 😀 EITI and the mining scorecard can complement each other by helping stakeholders, especially local government units (LGUs), understand how mining funds should be spent.
• 😀 Indigenous peoples (IPs) have expressed frustration about not being consulted regarding projects in their ancestral domains, despite having the legal right to be consulted.
• 😀 IPs are concerned that others may claim to represent their interests and make decisions on their behalf without proper consultation or regard for their views.
• 😀 National laws like the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) may conflict with local ordinances that impose moratoriums on projects, potentially leading to future legal challenges from IPs.
• 😀 Effective communication and consultation with indigenous communities are essential to avoid conflicts and ensure that their rights and interests are properly respected in mining projects.

Q & A

What was the main issue regarding communication between the government and the stakeholders in the mining industry?

The main issue was that communication between the government and the stakeholders was difficult and often lacked clarity. Stakeholders had to repeatedly ask to be consulted despite being promised consultation, which delayed progress and created frustration.

How does the speaker view the role of the mining scorecard in improving communication?

The mining scorecard is seen as a tool to improve communication by clarifying how money from mining companies should be spent in communities. It serves as an agreement between communities and mining companies about the allocation of resources, helping ensure that the funds benefit local areas.

What did the speaker mention about the EITI process and its relationship with the mining scorecard?

The speaker highlighted that the EITI process ensures transparency regarding payments made by mining companies to the government, as well as what the government must disclose. The mining scorecard complements this by detailing how the funds are spent in communities, bridging the gap between EITI's financial transparency and the practical use of those funds.

What issue did the speaker raise concerning indigenous peoples and their consultation in mining projects?

The speaker raised the issue that indigenous peoples (IPs) are often not consulted directly about the use of their ancestral lands. Instead, other groups may claim to speak on their behalf, leading to miscommunication and decisions that do not reflect the IPs' true needs or preferences.

How does the speaker suggest addressing the issue of non-consultation of indigenous peoples?

The speaker suggests that there should be direct communication with indigenous peoples about their needs and how mining projects impact their ancestral domains. They emphasize that laws like the AIL law, which grants rights to indigenous peoples, should ensure that their voices are heard.

What example did the speaker provide regarding the governance of ancestral domains?

The speaker referenced a situation in which indigenous peoples from Mindanao and Palawan were not consulted about mining projects in their ancestral domains. They emphasized the need for direct consultation to avoid interference from third parties who may misrepresent the IPs' wishes.

What was the speaker's concern regarding ordinances that oppose mining projects in ancestral domains?

The speaker expressed concern that local ordinances banning mining projects in ancestral domains might contradict national laws like the AIL law. This could create legal conflicts, as the ordinances might prevent projects that indigenous peoples may support or choose to engage with.

How did the speaker acknowledge the challenges faced by indigenous communities in terms of communication and consultation?

The speaker acknowledged that indigenous communities often face challenges in ensuring that their voices are heard, especially when other groups or individuals claim to represent their interests. This lack of proper consultation creates a gap in understanding and decision-making.

What role does communication play in moving the mining industry forward, according to the speaker?

Communication is crucial for the progress of the mining industry. Without proper communication between stakeholders, the industry will face difficulties and setbacks. The speaker emphasizes that clear and consistent dialogue is necessary to move the industry forward responsibly.

What lesson did Mars Bano share about communication in the context of mining?

Mars Bano shared that he learned a lesson in communication from Leo, emphasizing the importance of clear, direct communication. He reflected on how understanding and managing a crisis effectively through proper communication can lead to successful outcomes, even in complex situations like mining management.